Three Breaths (The Game of Life Novella Series Book 3) by Belle Brooks

Author:Belle Brooks [Brooks, Belle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Obie Books
Published: 2018-02-14T18:30:00+00:00

The grass cushions my feet, making it seem as if I’m hopping between clusters of clouds. I’m weightless. I don’t knock. I don’t speak. I fling the door open and run until I see the lounge area.

“Daddy, Daddy.”

My sweet Aleeha’s voice is music to my ears. She leaps from a bean bag chair and bounds toward me. Her face is filled with happiness at first glance, but as she closes in her sadness is obvious.

“Is Mummy home?” she questions as I kneel, and she collides with my chest. I hug her with every bit of strength my arms have.

“No, sweetheart, not yet. Soon,” I whisper against her cheek.

“I want Mummy. Can we go and get her from ...” She pauses. “Daddy, where is my mummy?” Her beautiful eyes search mine.

“Grandma and Grandad are here. That’s exciting, right?” My question is delivered with the hope of a needed distraction.

Her bottom lip sinks. “I want Mummy.”

“I know you do. Soon, baby girl. Soon.” The skin on her arms is soft as I rub my hands up and down them. Her cheeks look stained from what I assume is dried tears, and her cheeks are reddened.

“Can Brax and me, can we come home now, Daddy?” Her voice is sweet, as sweet as the familiar strawberry smell of her detangling hairspray filling the room. She must have taken it with her.

I sigh. I wish they could.

“Brax is outside with his grandad. They’re passing and kicking the football.” Shirley is standing behind Aleeha when I look up. Her hair rollers are still in, even though she’s dressed in one of her flowery day dresses.

“Is he okay?”

“No. Brax isn't up for talking, but he’s hanging in there.”

I nod.

“Come here, muffin.” Lifting Aleeha to my hip has contentment holding my heart. Her little chin tucks around my neck. Her long drawn-out breaths provide warmth to my skin. “Let’s go see Brax.”

Aleeha nods against me.

Standing on the back porch, I spot Brax in his bright yellow football jersey immediately. His right leg swings back and connects with the ball. The loud thump that accompanies his kick causes me to smile. “Brax,” I call. He doesn’t look in my direction or acknowledge I’m standing there. My smile disappears as I sigh.

Kylee sits on a lawn chair with her eyes turned upwards. A flying football sails in the direction of Ronald. It’s a peaceful and serene morning. For me, though, hell hovers. It hangs like a storm about to smother the earth with strikes of electricity.

“Brax, Dad’s here.” Kylee stands from the chair.

“Brax,” I call. He doesn’t follow my voice to find me. Instead, he keeps his head turned away.

Aleeha drops from my hip to her feet, nestling close against my side. I keep my arm wrapped around her as if she might get swallowed whole if I don’t.

“Mate. I’m here.” I try again to gain Brax’s attention.

I don’t. He catches the football Ronald kicked high, then drags his feet in the opposite direction to me until he stands to face the farthest fence.

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